Outreach into communities is a powerful way for our Port of Entry team to build trust and strengthen connections with the traveling public. A significant amount of POE work happens behind the scenes, like inspections, safety checks, and regulatory processes, so community outreach provides the opportunity to engage the human side of the mission.
Simple, genuine interactions with our customers often have the biggest impact. When inspectors take a moment to answer questions, explain how equipment works, or offer a quick look behind the observation counter, they help people understand the purpose and importance of POE’s vital work benefitting travelers. Shared experiences can spark a visitor’s curiosity, improve public awareness, and create memorable moments that reflect positively on the agency.
Most recently, Michael Fisher, one of our District 1 POE inspectors, had the unique opportunity to create a meaningful connection with Kendall Walker from Walker Industries LLC and his two young sons, Konnor and Kirkland. Kendall had stopped into the Huetter Port of Entry to thank Michael for helping him clear up a permitting issue. Konnor and Kirkland were enthralled with all the uniforms, equipment, and ongoing activity.
As they were asking a lot of questions, Michael invited them in for a closer look. They were genuinely impressed with the work being done and expressed their interest in working at the port someday. Konnor commented, “I’ll be 14 years old in a couple of years, and I want to apply when I’m old enough.”
A funny moment came while they were watching the observation-deck monitors and spotted their grandpa, also a commercial truck driver, approaching the port. Michael gave them each a safety vest and told them to hit the “Inspect” button to call him into the port, but he ended up turning off on SH 41. Can you imagine his surprise had he been met by our two youngest and highly motivated inspectors?
It was a great time and Kendall said he and his sons will never forget the experience. He was thankful for Michael’s genuine kindness and the time he took to show them the inner workings of our Port of Entry operations.
At its core, community outreach at a Port of Entry is about transparency, education, and partnership. By welcoming engagement and sharing the value of safety and compliance efforts, our Port of Entry team builds long-term goodwill and reinforces the essential role they play in keeping commercial transportation safe and efficient.